Jill said she discovered the bug in a hole on her wall of her home. View the photo on Instagram here.
Question:
What kind of bug is featured in the photo, and does it reproduce in or damage wooden structures?
Answer: Long-horned beetle
Lyle Buss, University of Florida entomologist, said that the bug is one of the long-horned beetles (family Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Prioninae. It is probably Mallodon dasystomus, the hardwood stump bore. Their larvae develop in the heartwood of various hardwoods like oak. If not that species, Buss said the beetle could be an Archodontes melanopus, which breeds in oaks, but more in the roots.
Though Jill found the long-horned beetle in the wall, Buss noted that both previously mentioned species are not structural pests, meaning they do not attack lumber or other wood products. They were most likely hiding there during the day. Buss also said there’s no need to worry about their laying eggs in the wall, either.
If you would like your bug identified and additional information, a great place to start is your local County Extension Office. With an office located in every county, it has never been easier to partner with the University of Florida and your local County Government.
Send your question and bug photo to your local County Extension Office, and they will gladly answer all inquiries. To find an office near you, visit the Solutions for Your Life website, or contact us at sfyl@ifas.ufl.edu.
Photo Credit: Jill Dalba
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